SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines will launch the world’s longest commercial flights in October 11, a near-19 hour non-stop services between Singapore and New York using the new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range).

The airline will begin a once-daily journey in both directions between Singapore's Changi Airport and Newark Liberty Airport, which serves New York City. Daily operations will commence from October 18 after an additional A350-900ULR aircraft enters service.

Flights will cover a distance of approximately 16,700km, and travelling time will be up to 18hrs 45min. Singapore Airlines served the Singapore-Newark route until 2013, when services were suspended after the aircraft used at the time, Airbus A340-500s, were returned to Airbus.

The longest haul flight from Singapore to New York with 161 business class and premium economy seats will eclipse the 14,525 km Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Auckland as the world’s longest.

“Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest-technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR,” said Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.

SIA is the world’s first customer for the new A350-900ULR, with seven on firm order with Airbus.

The A350-900ULR will offer customers a more comfortable travelling experience with features such as higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body and lighting designed to reduce jetlag. Its carbon composite airframe also allows for improved air quality due to a more optimised cabin altitude and humidity levels.

Presently Singapore Airlines currently serves New York JFK, daily via Frankfurt. Non-stop Singapore-Los Angeles flights are also planned with the A350-900ULR, details of which will be announced at a later date.